Review: Hope & Faith Records has put together three different 7"s featuring the original 'Standing Tall' riddim, which is a slick production in the early 70s roots reggae style. Acclaimed Spanish singer Payoh Soul Rebel is behind one, the female harmony trio from Basque reggae band Tacumah another, and this one comes from Jamaican legend Horace Andy who brings a fresh take on the classic roots sound. His smoky vocals bring real warmth and depth while a flip-side dub goes deep.
Review: Huzzah! New music from Liam Bailey, who has voiced a couple of the most gorgeous reggae, soul and dub fusion 7"s we've got in our collection in recent years. He has, we're told, recently been recording a new album and the two tunes pressed up here on Big Crown are taken from it. El Michels Affair man Leon Michels is the go-to producer once more for Bailey and they strike gold as always with 'Dance With Me'. It is a hella catchy two-stepper that harks back to the earliest days of reggae. On the flip, 'Mercy Tree' has hard-hitting drums and big horns that come with a powerhouse vocal that speaks of racial tensions that sadly persist throughout the world. It's a standup jam with a potent message.
Guru Pope - "Reggae Soldier" (Saxaphone mix) (3:15)
Aba Ariginal - "East Meets West" (Hornix mix) (3:15)
East Meets West (dub mix 1) (3:14)
East Meets West (dub mix 2) (3:18)
Review: A powerful collaboration between Jennifer Barrett, Guru Pope and Aba Ariginal released on a striking red 12". The original track blends smooth reggae rhythms with heartfelt lyrics that celebrate strength, resilience and the spirit of the reggae soldier. Each artist brings their unique flavour to the release and that leads to a harmonious fusion of voices and styles. Add in its infectious groove and uplifting message, and 'Reggae Soldier' is a standout tune that begs to be played loud.
Review: This latest 45 rpm from Phase One is another crucial reissue. Steve Baswell dropped it back in 1978 and it is a now much sought-after record that will cost you the best part of three figures to get on OG on second-hand markets. It's a classy roots rocker that was originally recorded by Pat Francis for his own label and on the B-side you will find an instrumental version for some even more pure head melting rhythms. If you love roots rockers, you'd be hard-pushed to find much better.
Review: Keeling Beckford's 'That Girl' is a fantastic early eighties vocal track by the esteemed producer and singer. It is set to Max Romeo's brilliant mid-seventies rhythm 'Stop Picking On Me' and now gets pressed up to 7" courtesy of DD and Studio 16. The original version is as blissed out as you can imagine with lazy drums and chords under the sweet and storytelling vocals. The version is longer and has more emphasis on the dubby low ends. Each copy is housed in a sturdy, company-printed sleeve making it a nice authentic wedge of roots.
Review: This crucial platter features two gems in 'Windrush Scandal' and 'Give A Little Love' which are fine tunes from Lizzi Bee and Ranking Ann, who makes a great return and lays down some superb vocals that will get you thinking as well as skanking, and what's more it all comes on a flame red vinyl 12". The track offers a perfect blend of reggae and dancehall influences, featuring catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics and a smooth rhythm that will have you swaying along and lost in the cavernous bass depths. Sax versions and dubs are all included to make this the complete package.
Review: Isle of Jura's 18th tasty 7" is from Melody Beecher who serves up a lovers rock cover of an 80s classic. 'Careless Whisper' was originally released as part of a very small run of 45rpms back in 1985. It was written by Beecher and produced by her husband Paul Beecher. The OG has been re-mastered from the original session tape here and then served up in a nice kraftboard sleeve. It is a gorgeous and fleshy cut with splashy hi hats and nice snaking leads with a more heady and fx filled dub on the flip.
Lewis Bennett & Donovan Kingjay - "Jail House" (3:43)
Lewis Bennett - "Jail House Dub" (3:25)
Review: Doncaster-based reggae producer (you don't read that often, do you?) Lewis Bennett teams up with veteran vocalist Donovan Kingjay for this new single, which is a heavyweight slice of spiritual roots and steppers. 'Jail House' delivers deep basslines, militant rhythms and conscious lyrics in classic sound system style. Kingjay's commanding vocal presence brings a timeless message of justice and resistance, while Bennett's production strikes a perfect balance between movement and meditative depth. This is a powerful, no-frills release for true roots heads, designed for the dubwise dance and built to shake speaker boxes.
Review: Hornin' Sounds has been on fire of late and their latest offering is another essential one. Both tunes explore deep dark funk roots from the mid 70s, and have both been produced by U.K. wizard Clem Bushay with The Cimarons on fire as the backing band. Carl Bert provides the vocals, which are buttery smooth and heartfelt as he muses on slipping into darkness over acoustic guitar riffs and rolling ridders. A fine dubs mix by Jeh Jeh is liquid and bottomless. As usual the French label have promised (threatened?) that there will be no reissues of this one, so move fast, dub lovers.
Review: The DMV crew presents two Biggie-inspired tracks on a limited 7" vinyl here that drives just in time for you to flip some Christmas party dance floors inside out and back to front. Side A opens with the wonderful and timeless 'Juicy Groove,' which is a funky, brass-infused twist on a classic NYC hit that will connect with a wide array of dancers. Flip to side B and you will find a Caribbean-flavoured mashup that's sure to leave you 'Hypnotized'. Do not excuse the pun.
Review: A slept-on roots gem from the mid-70s gets a timely reissue, perfect for warming up those cold winter days. Originally produced by Hector Wright at Lee "Scratch" Perry's legendary Black Ark Studios, this timeless piece showcases the vocal harmonies of The Blue Bells. A-side 'Come Along' features a captivating blend of soulful vocals and uplifting melodies, while the flipside offers a dubwise reimagining, stripping back the arrangement to reveal its hypnotic depths. Originally released in 1976, this repress makes a rare gem accessible once more.
Review: Impact/Onlyroots are non-stop in December with a whole heap of vital 7"s dropping and covering some fine dub and reggae territory in the process. This is another fine reissue that sets its sights on a classic 1972 roots reggae roller than first came from Impact Records with superb production by Sonia Pottinger. 'Ghetto Stays In The Mind' is a classic with dreamy harmonica leads and a rumbling rhythm section that brims with detail and character. The flip side is a dub that is just as great.
Review: Ken Boothe was the featured vocalist on the Inna Da Yard album The Soul of Jamaica back in 2017. Despite begin a relatively new record, it has all the authenticity and sonic hallmarks of a long-lost 70s classic. Now the best tunes from the album are pressed up to its own 7" by Reload. 'Let The Teardrops Fall' opens with a vocal doused in reverb and some shiny metal synth lines with a hypnotic harmonica taking the lead. 'Let It Go Dub' then gets all stoned and laidback with bottomless dub depths sinking you in deep.
Boss Capone Meets Keith Rowe - "Will You Still Be My Girl Tomorrow" (2:53)
Boss Capone - "Trouble Town" (3:31)
Review: Boss Capone from The Upsessions collaborates with Keith Rowe of the legendary Jamaican duo Keith & Tex on this new release which is well worth hearing. The A-side features a love-inspired rocksteady gem while the flip offers a roots-oriented banger. Boss Capone shared his experience of making this one, saying "I recorded a song called 'My Girl Tomorrow.' I was struggling with it and wanted a voice full of soul. Keith kindly added his vocals, completing the beautiful puzzle." Each copy includes a recycled paper insert and both of these tunes will remind of summer with their earth rhythms and laidback, dusty drums.
Review: Only Roots has head into 2014 in busy fashion with several new7"s all dropping to keep dub lovers in a happy mood. This one tackles the delightful Marie Bowie, who was produced by Barry Biggs for 'It's My House'. It's a soul drenched sound with her vocals adding all the lovestruck vibes you need next to plenty of sunny melodies. On the flip is 'House In Dub' which is a killer dub in its own right but if you prefer this without the vocal, you have us worried.
Review: Studio 16 continues its vital reissue work with this roots gem from Tony Brevett & The Israelites. Originally released in the golden age of roots reggae, 'Star Light' is a luminous lovers' rock anthem guided by Brevett's warm, yearning vocals and deeply spiritual intent. The flip features a classic dubbed-out version which lets the rhythm breathe in all its analogue glory. With an endlessly engaging groove and heartfelt delivery, this 7" captures a glowing slice of reggae history that still shines brightly. Also, the louder the better with this one.
Wackies Rhythm Force - "Hard To Find" (version) (3:07)
Review: Annette Brissett grew up in the USA even though she is a noted reggae vocalist. Her influences are the likes of Otis Redding and the Wailers and she also plays several instruments. 'Hard To Find' is one of her most well-known tunes and it pairs electronic reggae with prog rock guitars and her own soulful vocals. It's curious and compelling and has some funk deep in its bones. The version is provided by Wackies Rhythm Force who strip the vocals and make more of the noodling prog guitars and dubby swagger.
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